SKIFULLY YOURS

during the winter months the United States is a skiers paradise as North Conway in New Hampshire famous for its ski school headed by the legendary on a Schneider Stowe in Vermont and Lake Placid in New York State travel across the Middle West to the lofty Rockies renowned for powder snow and superb skiing terrain stop at romantic Alta in the state of Utah then there's California with her many resorts head north again to be awed by those giants of mountains hood linear and faker and there's sun valley of course where the paths of the skiing world inevitably converged nestled at the foot of the imposing sawtooth mountain range Sun Valley is truly a mecca for skiers the large and challenger in offer every conceivable comfort plus a delightful old world atmosphere whatever your favorite winter sports maybe you will find it at its best in the ballot you can cut the light fantastic on the ice rink next to the live like this lab graceful a blending her shapely curves with the exacting pattern on the race but the king of buses are on hand to take the classes speedily to any of the half-dozen ski lifts waiting his turn in line that dollar mountain is Gary Cooper and a champ just hit the chair with a seat of your pants and you're all so long Gary and watch out for them too long legs of yours partner here's a beginner's class under the expert guidance of Fred Eastman brushing up on snow plow turns over dressing is a very common tendency with novice skiers a woollen shirt one sweater and a windbreakers should give you ample protection under normal circumstances if you are aiming for protective padding when falling the cushioning is in the wrong place how long can this character go on with this routine protective goggles are essential to prevent snow blindness careful air mr. or you'll be getting down to your last shirt then you'll really catch a cold for pupils who are eager to learn class work can be fun whoops doing what comes naturally it's nothing to be discouraged about falling is part of the game and even champions will tumble head over heels occasionally what a novice getting up again is almost like trying to squeeze through a revolving door with a set of antlers both take a little practice no wonder you're having trouble says the professor your boots are a mile too long I couldn't control my skis with those pontoons on my feet hmm and your skis aren't right for you either but never mind we'll do something about them what's this a lady in distress yep there it goes a rambunctious runaway see it can and does happen to the best skiers don't you fret lady the Wolves ought to be charging down the hill instantly to your rescue my gentleman how rude can you be passing up a redhead well it looks as though we might have to spend the night out here but no a fanfare please sir galahad in person none other than Bennett Nelson chief of the Sun Valley ski patrol he is prepared for any emergency particularly a pleasant rescue operation such as this one you one of the most popular spots at any ski resort is the village sport shop what new and fashions what are the latest styles a dazzling display of stylish and practical garments greets the I proper equipment is of paramount importance since boots are the solid foundation of any skiers fortune let's begin at the bottom new boots when first fried on should fit snugly over one pair of lightweight woolen socks later on when your boots are broken in you'll find ample room to add a second pair of heavier socks for warmth and comfort so don't make the mistake this young lady is making notice the groove to hold the heel spring of the binding in place the rubber sole to prevent treacherous slipping the blunt toe with soul protectors on either side mr. workmanship and quality of the leather they'll last you for many years take your pick a cradle full of Milton the latest and windbreakers made of nylon the Wonder windproof water repellent and light as a feather desirable requirements for an all-purpose windbreaker an original scarf designed by the talented max parses any resemblance to living persons is purely coincidental it's a perfect fit and the lady seems to be in perfect accord operation boots can also be considered successful next to boots skis are the most important piece of equipment oh I beg your pardon Duchess just lift now where were we oh yes yes skis many people think a ski is a ski but that's where they're wrong for example here's a jumping scheme the three grooves are to keep the ski running in a straight line and provide maximum stability the pair weighs almost 20 pounds being considerably wider and longer than downhill skis a special safety binding is often used by jumpers jumping perhaps the most daring form of skiing is a highly specialized art calling for superior skill and ability it's as exciting and exhilarating as a parachute jump it helps to start young and Alf engine Junior is not wasting any time Papa's antics don't seem to impress him very much he's busy building his own scaffold stunts like these three chaps flying through the air in tight formation take practice and a little courage helps to want to know how it'd be a special binding affords the foot ample freedom necessary for the long lunging strides in cross-country racing the course is marked by flags and is anywhere from four to twelve miles long it is an endurance test of competitive skiing demanding top physical condition cross country running originated in Norway and Sweden and Scandinavians are famed for their endurance and polished technique in this specialized field curly from a recreational angle cross-country skiing is a stimulating experience the frequent changes in pace winding a path through the tranquil beauty of winters Wonderland is a gratifying reward for the cross-country enthusiast to get the best performance from any type of skis they must be firmly wedded to the boots bindings or harnesses should be of good quality and easily adjustable to a precise fit with the boots the modern cable binding with the downhill fold is by far the best design and the most reliable binding for accurate performance it will respond to the slightest pressure guiding the skis along at true quartz the best skis are made of hickory wood and steel edges are almost obligatory nowadays when it comes to picking a pair of skis for yourself if possible leave it to an expert knows all the angles proper length weight and flexibility as to waxing how do you like your skis rare or well done or would you rather choke on the fumes once upon a time and not so very long ago skiing also meant climbing climbing every foot of the way nowadays lifts like this one scale the steepest mountain effortlessly whisking you up in no time at all to the top of mountains like Mount Baldy all of 9200 BT well here we are already a flock of snow Eagles taking off from the very top of Mount Baldy for the valley far below ready go slalom racing is another specialized field it means racing against the clock to a maze of poles with flags attached to mark the various gate combination this is what they call a flush it looks like a royal to me and beautifully negotiated by a forerunner watch friedl piper a past master and international champion dance through the intricate up with the ease and grace of a ballet dancer it takes skill and precision timing to hurdle yourself at top speed through this forest of bamboo poles and the indomitable dick Durrance hero of many a fracas on skis a champion if there ever was one low to the ground pressing for speed every inch of the way in a typical style that has won him many a trophy a skiers day never seems to end there comes the time for a spot of romance perhaps while riding through the enchantments of a moonlit night in a two horse open sleigh it's an occasion for the ladies to wear their fanciest after ski fineries and I'm sure you'll agree they are becoming music maestro leave us have at it with a syncopated jive tune or a more soothing dance rhythm if you prefer the spirit is willing but the doggies are tired after a hard day's work oh also very tired and so your thoughts wander off into another world the world of dreams what will you dream about skiing most likely but now it has gotten into your blood it has become a passion rub the latins lamp gently and conjure up any skier you wish to perform boil you want auto laying for example is yours for the asking and we'll be glad to demonstrate a condensed version of the famous arlberg technique walking comes first step by step like an infant learning to put one foot the head of the other it is a gliding and sliding motion relax and supple the legs move forward alternately supported by the push of the arms and poles an easy way of climbing a steeper Hill is the sidestep figure edges into the snow as though you were building yourself a staircase this graceful little number is a kick turn and you'll have to learn it because it is one of the accepted ways to turn a corner or to ring a doorbell while wearing skis don't be upset if at first you find yourself hopelessly entangled with legs skis and poles undoubtedly you will find out which leg goes which way with a little more practice the herringbone step is the most direct way to climb straight up a hill keep the ski tips well apart and the ends close together the fundamentals running stance colloquially known as juice position is the key to your future skiing form and the basis for a sound skiing technique skis are held parallel with the weight of the body equally distributed on both legs the knees must be pressed forward with emphasis it will give you that feeling of leaning forward never sit back in an imaginary rocking chair it is equally bad bending forward from the hips the knees have to be shoved forward from the hips toned and the torso should lean correspondingly now watch the proper position of body and knees in action functioning like the springs of a high class automobile the snowplow position tips close together ends spread comfortably apart knees pressed forward the snowplow is the rudimentary basis for every turn in the repertory to turn left transfer most of the body weight onto the right ski and vice versa to head in the opposite direction the snowplow itself is a symmetrically balanced position with the skis slightly age and gently scraping the snow surface when turning arm shoulder and hip have to pivot in a synchronized motion while gradually steering the turn to completion both knees have to respond freely particularly the one carrying the bigger load when practicing this simplest form of a turn you must strive for a definite rhythm and link your turns together with the least possible effort in the traversing stance the skis are lined up parallel the upper ski should be slightly advanced stand on both feet solidly above all do not lean in toward the hill it is the angle of the Traverse that regulates the speed the steeper the angle the faster you travel the stem turn next link in the chain of closely related maneuvers is basically a snowplow turn with the one difference to width the turn is approached with the skis parallel in the traversing position and after the turn is completed the skis join again facing in the opposite reversing direction however a definite characteristic of the stem turn is a preliminary wind-up comparable to the backswing in a golf stroke this preparatory motion is the secret of a flawless rhythmical swing particularly important in the turns performed at higher speeds side slipping is merely a controlled skip purposely initiated by flattening the skis thereby diminishing the grip of the edges a most versatile maneuver and a lifesaver on many occasions the sooner you learn it the better it demands relaxation and flexibility of the body once initiated a constant process of meticulous adjustment of balance with the knees will be required to keep the skis moving and in proper position as in the traversing position the upper ski must remain ahead at all times with the weight balanced on both feet learning to ski somewhat like baking a cake you have to follow a recipe and adding ingredients to the cake likewise fundamentals must build one upon the other and learning to ski if one is slighted or left out entirely both the cake and the skier will fall flat frequently just measure the ingredients properly and mix them correctly and success will be yours take a good portion of the stem turn spicy generously with speed add a liberal amount of forward lean lots of body swing plenty of knee action and when almost done garnish it gently with a dash of side slipping here and there in slow motion you can see that it is a composite of all the elements previously discussed a savory dish indeed will be the just reward for your efforts a stem kristiania no less for the makings of a future temple turn a turn that every skier cherishes and every dove dreams about yes the secret of skiing can be summarized in one brief and simple sentence speed is the thrill but control is the art of steam so you see there's nothing to it why don't you try it buster easy does it didn't I tell you left foot right foot swing your poles and arms quite simple old chap once you catch on to it wait a minute what are you doing now this is unfair to organise skaters remember you are on tees there's no telling what this character will do next oh no not that you'll be sorry you'll get wet this is the end and so it is